Still suffering malware infection--need help

[kevlarmcc]

I have run the tools suggested and still cannot get rid of some malware. Main symptom is that AVG sees explorer.exe, winlogon.exe, and services.exe as threats. Other symptoms include missing task bar, unable to copy/paste with right click or crtl-c/v. Attached are the logs suggested to send. I could not run hitman pro as i have no network connectivity, Oh yeah that too. Network interface doesn't show up in network connections and I can't get an IP. Also could not run malware bytes as I get vbsgrid file error. Windows installer is also broken. Any help greatly appreciated.

[chaslang]

Welcome to Major Geeks!

Note based on your logs it may be possible that you have a Ramnit infection in addtion to a ZeroAccess infection. Have you recently seen any warning about a Ramnit infection?

You need to uninstall AVG now so that the below instructions can be followed without interference from AVG. Make sure you do this before doing the below.

Also while in Add/Remove Programs, also uninstall the below very old outdated software that are security risks:
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 2
Mozilla Firefox (3.6.3)

Now download and save a current copy of combofix.exe and save it directly onto your Desktop folder. Do not save it on the E drive like you previously did. DO NOT run it yet!!!


Run C:\MGtools\analyse.exe by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win 7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator). This is really HijackThis (select Do a system scan only) and select the following lines but DO NOT CLICK FIX until you exit all browser sessions including the one you are reading in right now:

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {4D25F926-B9FE-4682-BF72-8AB8210D6D75} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {59279AD0-E6C6-4e0b-BC71-C23DC56EBCFA} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)

After clicking Fix, exit HJT.


Now we need to use ComboFix

• Make sure that combofix.exe that you downloaded while doing the READ & RUN ME is on your Desktop but Do not run it!
  • If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.
• Also make sure you have shut down all protection software (antivirus, antispyware...etc) or they may get in the way of allowing ComboFix to run properly.
• If ComboFix tells you it has expired or need to be updated to a new version, make sure you allow it to update.
• Open Notepad and copy/paste the text in the below quote box into it:

ClearJavaCache::
KILLALL::

Fcopy::
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\explorer.exe | C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\svchost.exe | C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\winlogon.exe | C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe

File::
c:\windows\assembly\gac\desktop.ini
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\core.cache.dsk
C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\vmi.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\opo.exe

Folder::
c:\windows\installer\{b5fc8b9a-7ad3-2247-d625-8a42894978c3}\U
c:\windows\installer\{b5fc8b9a-7ad3-2247-d625-8a42894978c3}\L

Registry::
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{59279AD0-E6C6-4e0b-BC71-C23DC56EBCFA}]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2e51ec4e-2fa9-40fa-9007-2411de34e7ca}]
[-HKLM\Software\Clients\StartMenuInternet\FIREFOX.EXE\shell\safemode\command]

• Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe
• At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!
• You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.
• Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
• Follow the prompts.
• When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt
• I will ask for this log below

Note:

Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

If after running Combofix you discover none of your programs will open up because you recieve the following error: Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion then you will need to reboot your computer which will normally fix this problem.

After reboot, now install the current version of Sun Java from: Sun Java Runtime Environment

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).


Then attach the below logs:

• C:\ComboFix.txt
• C:\MGlogs.zip

Make sure you tell me how things are working now!

[kevlarmcc]

Thanks for the help. I am unable to execute the directions as such because I cannot drag and drop. That function is broken. I created the CFScript.txt and have it on my desktop along wtih combofix. Is there a command line I can run to execute the program with the text file?

[kevlarmcc]

Also I cannot uninstall anything as the windows installer is broken. I tried reinstalling that and get an error saying the update.ini file cannot be verified since the cryptography service is not running. I cannot start that service either.

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by kevlarmcc

Thanks for the help. I am unable to execute the directions as such because I cannot drag and drop. That function is broken. I created the CFScript.txt and have it on my desktop along wtih combofix. Is there a command line I can run to execute the program with the text file?

Try following the ComboFix part of the instructions in safe boot mode. If that works, make sure you boot back to normal mode to get the new MGtools log.

Skip the uninstalls for now if you cannot do them.

[kevlarmcc]

I was unable to execute the instructions in safe mode. Drag and drop is disabled. I ran combofix without the cfscript and after reboot explorer.exe will not load. I get an error saying it cannot load and asking whether I want to send info to MS. So now explorer.exe won't load and I have no desktop, no gui anything. I can still run commands from task manager.

[chaslang]

You never answered my question in message # 2

Have you recently seen any warning about a Ramnit infection?

Originally Posted by kevlarmcc

I can still run commands from task manager.

In Task Manager, click File, New Task (Run...) and enter the below into the Open box and click OK

C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\explorer.exe

Does Windows Explorer open?

[kevlarmcc]

I have not seen any notifications of the ramnit infection. I was able to run explorer.exe from the servicepackfiles folder. Attached are the logs requested. I am still not able to run combofix with the textfile as I cannot drag/drop files.

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by kevlarmcc

I am still not able to run combofix with the textfile as I cannot drag/drop files.

Then you should not be running it at all. Unless run as instructed, it does nothing to help us.

See if you can get RogueKiller to run. If you can then run a scan and after it finishes, select the Registry tab and then select any of the below that exist and then click the Delete button.

[HJ] HKLM\[...]\NewStartPanel : {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} (1) -> REPLACED (0)
[FILEASSO] HKUS\.DEFAULT\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command : ("C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\vmi.exe" -a "%1" %*) -> REPLACED ("%1" %*)
[FILEASSO] HKUS\.DEFAULT\Software\Classes\exefile\shell\open\command : ("C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\vmi.exe" -a "%1" %*) -> REPLACED ("%1" %*)
[FILEASSO] HKLM\Software\Clients\StartMenuInternet\FIREFOX.EXE\shell\safemode\command : ("C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\opo.exe" -a "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -safe-mode) -> REPLACED ("C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe" -safe-mode)

Then select the Files tab and if the below exist, click the Delete button again.

¤¤¤ Particular Files / Folders: ¤¤¤
[ZeroAccess][FOLDER] U : c:\windows\installer\{b5fc8b9a-7ad3-2247-d625-8a42894978c3}\U --> REMOVED
[ZeroAccess][FOLDER] L : c:\windows\installer\{b5fc8b9a-7ad3-2247-d625-8a42894978c3}\L --> REMOVED
[ZeroAccess][FILE] Desktop.ini : c:\windows\assembly\gac\desktop.ini --> REMOVED

Then immediately reboot your PC. After reboot, run a new scan with RogueKiller and save a log as in original instructions and attach the new log.

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).


Then attach the below logs:

• C:\MGlogs.zip

Do you have your Windows XP boot CD in case we need it?

[kevlarmcc]

I can run roguekiller but none of the files or registry entries you mentioned show up. Attached are requested files. I do have a Win XP boot CD.

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by kevlarmcc

I do have a Win XP boot CD.

Okay we may need to use it to boot into the Recovery Console and manually replace some infected system files. However I want to run a scan with another tool first and possibly try this tool to replace the infected files.

Please download OTL by OldTimer.

• Save it to your desktop.
• Double click on the OTL icon on your desktop. (If running Vista or Win7 right-click and select Run as Administrator)
• Check the "Scan All Users" checkbox.
• Check the "Standard Output".
• Change the setting of "Drivers" and "Services" to "All"
• Copy the text in the code box below and paste it into the Customs Scans/Fixes text-field.
  

  netsvcs
  /md5start
  explorer.exe
  regedit.exe
  services.exe
  svchost.exe
  userinit.exe
  winlogon.exe
  /md5stop
  %systemroot%\system32\*.sys /90
  %systemroot%\system32\*.exe /lockedfiles
  %systemroot%\system32\drivers\*.sys /lockedfiles

• Now click the Run Scan button.
• Two reports will be created:
  • OTL.txt <-- Will be opened
  • Extra.txt <-- Will be minimized
• Attach both OTL.txt and Extras.txt to your next message. (See how to attach)

[kevlarmcc]

Sorry for the delay. I thought I had responded. Attached are the requested logs.

[chaslang]

Uninstall the below old versions of software:
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 2
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_03

Now shut down your protection software now (antivirus, antispyware...etc) to avoid possible conflicts.

• Double-click OTL.exe to run. (Vista/7 right-click and select Run as Administrator)
• Copy the text in the code box below and paste it into the text-field.

IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{2e51ec4e-2fa9-40fa-9007-2411de34e7ca}: "URL" = http://search.mywebsearch.com/mywebs...r={searchTerms}
IE - HKU\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
IE - HKU\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,First Home Page = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
IE - HKU\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
IE - HKU\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,First Home Page = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1797938088-3056769529-3757949901-1008\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@viewpoint.com/VMP: C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Media Player\npViewpoint.dll ()
O3 - HKU\.DEFAULT\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {604BC32A-9680-40D1-9AC6-E06B23A1BA4C} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\.DEFAULT\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {D7E97865-918F-41E4-9CD0-25AB1C574CE8} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-18\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {604BC32A-9680-40D1-9AC6-E06B23A1BA4C} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-18\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {D7E97865-918F-41E4-9CD0-25AB1C574CE8} - No CLSID value found.
[2011/11/28 13:52:49 | 000,001,282 | -HS- | C] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\cmxsyq6w8mug1qrb2ubg5m734u3w
[2011/08/11 21:13:09 | 000,006,384 | -HS- | C] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\Application Data\2nqo53x2uk83630g33hif5437515sx63
[2004/08/04 07:00:00 | 000,002,048 | -HS- | C] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\Al\Local Settings\Application Data\{b5fc8b9a-7ad3-2247-d625-8a42894978c3}\@
:Files
c:\windows\explorer.exe | C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\explorer.exe /replace
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\svchost.exe | C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\svchost.exe /replace
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe | C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\winlogon.exe /replace
:Commands
[PURITY]
[EMPTYTEMP] 
[EMPTYFLASH]
[REBOOT]

• Now click the button.
• If the fix needed a reboot please do it.
• Click the OK button (upon reboot).
• When OTL is finished, Notepad will open. Close Notepad.
• A log file will be located at C:\_OTL\MovedFiles\mmddyyyy_hhmmss.log, where mmddyyyy_hhmmss is the date of the tool run.
• Attach this log to your next message. (See: How to attach)

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

Then attach the below logs:

• the log from OTL
• C:\MGlogs.zip

Make sure you tell me how things are working now!

[kevlarmcc]

I ran the tool as requested. Unfortunately no improvement. Logs are attached.

[chaslang]

I left a command directive out of the last fix the caused part of it not to work; however, I still concerned that you may have a Ramnit infection.

Please run the below ESET Online Scan and attach the log:

Using ESET's Online Scanner

[kevlarmcc]

I cannot run any online scans. Networking is broken. There are no network connections listed in networking properties.

[chaslang]

Okay this really looks like a severe Ramnit infection. I want you to try the below to see if it helps with the internet connection but I doubt it will fix it if you have Ramnit. It is very likely that many many system files are infected. Also do you have all important personal data backed up? NO EXECUTABLES/installers..etc can be backed up as they are likely infected.


Be patient while doing the below. The fixes can take quite awhile to run. Especially the permissions repairs. It may be best to kick it off and goto bed or do something else. It is better not to run anything while the repairs are going on.

Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com and unzip the contents into a newly created folder on your desktop.

• Now run Repair_Windows.exe by double clicking on it ( if you are running Vista or Win 7, use right click and select Run As Administrator)
• Now select the Start Repairs tab.
• The click the Start button.
• Create a System Restore point if prompted.
• On the next screen, click the Unselect All button to first deselect all repairs.
• Now select the following repair options:
  • Reset Registry Permissions
  • Reset File Permissions
  • Register System Files
  • Repair WMI
  • Repair Windows Firewall
  • Remove Policies Set By Infections
  • Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
  • Repair Proxy Settings
  • Repair Windows Updates
  • Set Windows Services To Default Startup
• Now on the lower right side check the box to Restart/Shutdown System When Finished
• Then make sure the Restart System radio button is enabled.
• Shutdown any other programs that you are running now before continuing.
• Now click the Start button.
• Be patient while the tool repairs the selected items.
• It should reboot automatically when finished.

[kevlarmcc]

Cannot run repair windows. I get an error stating "failed to load control lvButtons_H Your version may be outdated...

[chaslang]

Please answer my question about backups because I think your only recourse is a complete clean reinstall as it is typically the only safe/reliable way to recover from Ramnit infections. And I think this is the solution you may be better off pursuing.